Syria to allow UN chemical arms probe

In this March 19, 2013, photograph released by Syria's official news agency SANA, a Syrian victim who suffered an alleged chemical attack at Khan al-Assal village receives treatment at a hospital in Aleppo. File photo: AP

In this March 19, 2013, photograph released by Syria's official news agency SANA, a Syrian victim who suffered an alleged chemical attack at Khan al-Assal village receives treatment at a hospital in Aleppo. File photo: AP

Published May 9, 2013

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Damascus - Syria is ready to receive a UN team to investigate claims of the use of chemical weapons in the country's conflict, Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Muqdad told AFP on Thursday.

“We were ready and we are always ready, right now, to receive the delegation that was set up by (UN chief) Ban Ki-moon to investigate what happened in Khan al-Assal,” Muqdad said.

Syria first asked for the inquiry shortly after accusing opposition rebels of using chemical weapons at Khan al-Assal near Aleppo on March 23 in an attack in which authorities say more than 30 people died.

Syria is under mounting international pressure over the possible use of banned arms. The United States said in April it believed the Syrian government has used chemical weapons but was awaiting definitive proof. - Sapa-AFP

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